Agricultural Inspector jobs in Lees Summit, MO

Job Location: Marshall, MO

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection and Warehousing Division has a full-time Agricultural Inspector position in the Marshall, MO area. Employees in this position are expected to have reliable transportation to the office in Marshall but will have access to a state vehicle for transportation to work sites from there.

Employees in this position serve a critical front-line role in the foundation of Missouri’s grain market. This is an entry-level position that entails semi-skilled and skilled manual work including obtaining samples of grain, preparing samples for grading, and grading samples for certification. Work is initially performed under the supervision from a higher-level Grain Inspector or other designated superior. The employee receives training in sampling, technician, and grading procedures established by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and completes written and practical tests to demonstrate proficiency.

Compensation

The base salary for new employees in this position is $36,256.56 annually, with the full state benefit package. Additional compensation may be obtained through the following avenues:

• Employees in this position have the ability to earn up to an additional $7.00 per hour through combined pay differentials. Employees receive a $2.00 per hour differential for hours worked outside of normal business hours, and $5.00 per hour for qualifying work on shuttle trains.
• With on-the-job training provided, employees in this position are required to obtain two grain grading licenses within the first six months of employment. Each grain grading license that is earned will result in a raise, with the base salary increasing to $37,525 after the first license, and $38,838 after the second.
• Employees who are reliable, accurate in their work, great teammates, and take initiative in all aspects of their job are eligible for additional licensing opportunities and further promotion thereafter, including associated salary increases. Total quantity and type of licenses obtained are subject to program needs. Up to 3 total licenses is most common.

This is a benefit-eligible position including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, retirement plan, and more. This position is also eligible for annual leave, sick leave, and compensatory time. Learn more about state team member benefits at: https://oa.mo.gov/personnel/state-team-members/team-member-benefits

• Receive on-the-job training in the FGIS grain sampling, technician, and inspection procedures
• Read and comprehend complex policies and procedures, and obtain all of the necessary federal licensing within required timeframe
• Inspect railcars, barges, trucks and/or other carriers to ensure they are in proper condition for loading and free from leaks, odors and infestation
• Obtain representative samples of grain utilizing procedures specified by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS)
• Observe and verify the weighing of carriers by grain company employees
• Prepare grain samples for grading by performing tests necessary to determine moisture content, test weight, dockage, and presence of foreign material
• Perform specialized mycotoxin tests
• Accurately and consistently implement inspection processes to FGIS standards to properly describe the quality of grain
• Complete sample pan tickets and work records legibly, accurately, and efficiently
• Maintain vehicles, sampling and lab equipment, and work environments properly
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, grain businesses, others in the grain trade and the general public
• Perform other related work as assigned

Employees in this position must be able to:

• Regularly work in a grain elevator environment that may include factors such as loud noise, foul air, grain dust, inclement weather, extreme heights and moving machinery
• Distinguish subtle differences in color
• Detect subtle changes in odor
• Occasionally work from heights, including the ability to climb stairs and ladders
• Frequently lift a minimum of 15 pounds, and occasionally lift 50 pounds to a height of five feet with reasonable accommodations
• Sit or stand for extended periods (several hours)

Employees in this position may be ineligible for hire if they, their spouse, their minor children, or any relative immediately residing in their household is employed by or otherwise receives direct or indirect financial consideration from any grain elevator or warehouse, or engage in the merchandising, storage, commercial transportation, or other commercial handling of grain. If applicable, this relationship must be disclosed prior to hire.

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED/equivalent. Work experience may be substituted for deficiency in the required education.
• At least 18 years old

Preferred Experience

One or more years of any of the following:

• Agriculture-related experience such as crop production, feed mills, general farm labor, grain elevators, grain/oil seed processing, livestock production, or other closely-related area; OR
• Skilled trades or similar, such as assembly, carpentry, construction, electric, heavy equipment operation, HVAC, manufacturing, technician, quality control, welding; OR
• Similar field or relevant experience

Special Requirements

• Adapt to variable work schedules that include nights, weekends and holidays, and that are subject to change with little notice
• Have consistent & reliable means of communication (mobile phone preferred)
• Have consistent & reliable means of transportation, including occasionally in inclement weather
• Ability to obtain USDA/FGIS licenses to sample, process, and grade grain within established timeframes
• Must have a valid Missouri Driver's License

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@mda.mo.gov